Trump apparently uttered the shocking remark as lawmakers discussed reinstating protections for Haitians, Salvadorans and residents of African nations immigrating to the United States under temporary protected status.

“Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?” Trump said according to the paper, which cited two people briefed on the Thursday Oval Office meeting with lawmakers.

The president added that the United States should instead allow more immigrants from countries like Norway. Trump met Wednesday with Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg at the White House.

The White House did not deny that the president made the remark.

Spokesman Raj Shah says in a statement that while “Certain Washington politicians choose to fight for foreign countries,” Trump “will always fight for the American people.”

He says Trump wants to welcome immigrants who “contribute to our society, grow our economy and assimilate into our great nation,” and will always reject “temporary, weak and dangerous stopgap measures” that he says “threaten the lives of hardworking Americans” and undercut other immigrants.